Abstract:

A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating
section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and
charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been
discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An
identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and
read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating
section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for
driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for
disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the
frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are
stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should
be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing
mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.

Claims:

1-24. (canceled)

25. A medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of tablet
cases for accommodating medicines and charges medicines discharged from
the tablet cases into a container such as a bag or a bottle, the medicine
supply apparatus comprising: a printer for printing on the container or a
label for the container, wherein the printer has a color printing
function.

26. A medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of tablet
cases for accommodating medicines, discharges medicine from a selected
tablet case, and charges the medicine into a packaging container to
supply the medicine, the medicine supply apparatus comprising: a printing
mechanism provided so as to print predetermined items about medicine to
be charged into a packaging container onto the packaging container,
wherein the printing mechanism is capable of printing with two or more
different colors.

27. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
packaging container has a label attached thereto, and the printing
mechanism prints predetermined items on the label.

29. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
predetermined items include indication of time slots in which medicine
charged into a packaging container should be taken.

30. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
printing mechanism prints the time slots in which medicine should be
taken with different colors for each of the time slots.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates to a medicine supply apparatus that is
placed at hospitals and pharmacies and supplies the designated number of
medicines accommodated within tablet cases into a container (a bottle or
a bag) in accordance with a prescription.

[0003]2. Description of the Related Art

[0004]In hospitals and pharmacies, a medicine supply apparatus such as one
disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication
(JP-Y) No. 57-5282 (B65B1/30) has been conventionally used to provide
medicines prescribed by doctors to patients. In accordance with such a
system, the designated number of medicines (tablets, capsules and the
like) described in a prescription are discharged one by one from
discharge drums (referred to as aligning boards in JP-Y No. 57-5282)
within tablet cases. The discharged medicines are collected in a hopper
through a chute and then packaged in packaging paper or bottled in a
bottle.

[0005]Such a medicine supply apparatus is provided with a plurality of
tablet cases and control for discharging medicine from each of the tablet
cases is performed. In accordance with such control for discharging
medicine, it is necessary that a tablet case accommodating medicine
corresponding to a prescription is specified and a discharge drum or the
like for the corresponding tablet case is rotated.

[0006]In such case, there has been conventionally utilized a method in
which a memory which stores data for identifying the corresponding tablet
case is mounted to a circuit board for the tablet case, electric wirings
are connected to the tablet case to read the data, and the resultant data
is used for control. In accordance with such a conventional method,
however, the electric circuit for the tablet case becomes complicated,
and costs are increased. Further, the electric wirings must be connected
to a case accommodating section every time that tablet cases are
exchanged. Thus, improvements for such drawbacks have been desired.

[0007]When medicine is discharged from the tablet case, a discharge drum
for discharging the medicine one by one is rotated. If a motor for
driving this discharge drum is disconnected, however, medicine cannot be
discharged. Various causes of inability to discharge medicine may be
considered, such as the case in which there is no medicine within a
tablet case and the case in which medicine is clogged within the tablet
case.

[0008]Such situations can be detected by visually checking tablet cases.
However, disconnection of motors cannot be determined visually. Thus,
there arises the problem in which it takes a long time to specify causes
of failure and perform maintenance for corresponding parts.

[0009]Medicine is discharged from a tablet case by driving a discharge
drum with a motor. A shutter for temporarily receiving medicine may be
provided between a chute and a hopper. Such shutter is driven to be
opened/closed by a solenoid. Further, when medicine is packaged in
packaging paper, the paper is thermally sealed by a thermal sealing
device and a time slot in which medicine should be taken is usually
printed onto the packaging paper by a printer.

[0010]The aforementioned motor, solenoid, thermal sealing device and
printer are parts that wear out and thus have their own durability
limits. If such parts are broken, supply of medicine may be stopped.

[0011]A name of a patient taking the medicine and a time slot in which the
medicine should be taken (before a meal or after a meal) are printed by a
printer onto packaging paper or the like into which the medicine is
charged. Pharmacists at pharmacies usually draw lines on the packaging
paper with marking inks, especially for aged patients so that they can
distinguish by colors the time slots in which medicine should be taken.
This requires work by human hand, and further, errors may occur,
resulting in confusion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]The present invention was developed in order to solve the
above-described conventional technical drawbacks, and an object of the
invention is to provide a medicine supply apparatus that realizes
simplification of exchanging of tablet cases and of a structure of the
apparatus itself.

[0013]In order to accomplish the aforementioned object, in accordance with
a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a medicine supply
apparatus which comprises a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating
medicines and a case accommodating section for accommodating the
plurality of tablet cases and which selects a tablet case accommodating a
designated medicine, takes the medicine out of the tablet case, and
charges the same into a container. The medicine supply apparatus
comprises an identifier that is provided at each of the tablet cases and
indicates identification information for the tablet case, and a reader
for reading, in a non-contact manner, the identification information
indicated by the identifiers for the tablet cases provided within the
case accommodating section. Selection of the tablet case accommodating
the designated medicine is controlled on the basis of the identification
information read by the reader. The medicine supply apparatus further
comprises a control device for controlling discharge of medicine from
tablet cases on the basis of the identification information read by the
reader.

[0014]In accordance with a more preferred aspect, the medicine supply
apparatus further comprises an information output device. The control
device outputs information about exchange of tablet cases to the
information output device on the basis of the identification information
read by the reader. The information about exchange of tablet cases
includes information indicating medicines to be accommodated within the
case accommodating section. Further, the information about exchange of
tablet cases preferably includes information for indicating the
accommodated positions of the tablet cases accommodating medicines which
are not designated among the tablet cases accommodated within the case
accommodating section, as exchangeable medicines. The information output
device is usually a display device.

[0015]The identifier may be an optically readable identification code
provided on the surface of each of the tablet cases, and the reader may
be an optical sensor for reading the identification code.

[0016]Namely, the medicine supply apparatus of the above-described aspects
comprises a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating medicines
provided within a case accommodating section of a main body, a chute
through which medicines discharged from the tablet cases pass, a hopper
provided below the chute, and a charging device for charging medicines
received by the hopper into a container such as a bag or a bottle. The
medicine supply apparatus comprises identification means that is provided
at each of the tablet cases and has identification information for
identifying the tablet case, and a reader for reading, in a non-contact
manner, the identification information in the identification means for
the tablet cases provided within the case accommodating section.

[0017]In accordance with a more preferred aspect, the medicine supply
apparatus comprises control means to which the reader (reading means) is
connected. The control means identifies each of the tablet cases on the
basis of the identification information read by the reader and controls
discharge of medicine from each of the tablet cases.

[0018]The control means provided in the medicine supply apparatus outputs
instruction information about exchanges of tablet cases on the basis of
the identification information read by the reader.

[0019]In accordance with the above-described aspects of the medicine
supply apparatus, the identification means is an optically readable
identification code provided on the surface of each of the tablet cases,
and the reader is an optical sensor for reading the identification code.

[0020]In accordance with the above-described aspects of the invention, the
medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality of tablet cases for
accommodating medicines, provided within a case accommodating section of
a main body, a chute through which medicines discharged from the tablet
cases pass, a hopper provided below the chute, and a charging device for
charging medicines received by the hopper into a container such as a bag
or a bottle. The medicine supply apparatus comprises identification means
(or an identifier) that is provided at each of the tablet cases and has
identification information for identifying the tablet case, and a reader
for reading, in a non-contact manner, the identification information in
the identification means for the tablet cases provided within the case
accommodating section. The control means (or control device) may identify
each of the tablet cases on the basis of the identification information
read by the reader and control selection of medicine from the tablet
cases.

[0022]The control means (control device) may output instruction
information about exchanges of tablet cases on the basis of the
identification information read by the reader. For example, in the case
of charging a plurality types of medicines into a package, exchangeable
tablet cases may be designated when medicines that should be charged do
not exist within the case accommodating section. Thus, it is possible to
prevent the tablet cases accommodating medicines that should be charged
into the package from being removed. As a result, convenience is
significantly improved.

[0023]Further, the identification means (identifier) may be an optically
readable identification code provided on the surface of each of the
tablet cases, and the reader may be an optical sensor for reading the
identification code. As a result, an electric circuit for the tablet
cases can be simplified, and a significant reduction in costs can be
realized.

[0024]In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus that is capable of reliably
detecting disconnection of a motor for driving a discharge drum for a
tablet case and rapidly handling such failure.

[0025]In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines and discharges a designated
medicine from a selected tablet case. The medicine supply apparatus
comprises a plurality of tablet cases, each of which includes an
accommodating container for medicine, a discharging device for
discharging medicine from the accommodating container by a discharging
operation, and a drive motor which is coupled to the discharging device
so as to be driven and rotated in a predetermined direction to make the
discharging device perform the discharging operation, and a control
device for controlling rotation of the driving motors. The control device
has an abnormality detection mode in which at least one of the driving
motors is driven for a predetermined period of time which is shorter than
a time required for the motor to be rotated for discharging medicine, an
energized current for the motor is measured, and an abnormality of the
motor is detected on the basis of a measured value. The discharging
device is formed in a substantial drum configuration and medicine is
discharged by the driving motor being rotated in the predetermine
direction.

[0026]Abnormality of the motor includes disconnection of motor. The
abnormality detection mode comprises a forward rotation mode in which the
discharging device is rotated in a predetermine direction and a reverse
rotation mode in which the discharging device is rotated in a direction
opposite to the predetermined direction, and the reverse rotation mode
precedes the forward rotation mode. The control device preferably
performs the abnormality detection mode for a plurality of driving motors
in turn.

[0027]The medicine supply apparatus further comprises a display device,
and the control device controls the display device to display information
indicating driving motors in which abnormalities are detected in the
abnormality detection mode.

[0028]Namely, the medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality of
tablet cases, each of which includes an accommodating container for
accommodating medicine, a discharge drum for discharging medicine from
the accommodating container, and a motor for driving the discharge drum,
and a control device for rotating the motors forward to discharge
medicine. The control device performs an abnormality detection operation
in which a motor is rotated in reverse for a predetermined period of time
which is sufficiently shorter than a time required for medicine to be
discharged and then rotated forward for the predetermined period of time,
and determines disconnection of the motor on the basis of an energized
current for the motor during the abnormality detection operation.

[0029]In accordance with the above-described aspects, the control device
performs the abnormality detection operation for a plurality of tablet
cases in turn.

[0030]In accordance with the above-described aspects, there is provided a
medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of tablet cases,
each of which includes an accommodating container for accommodating
medicine, a discharge drum (discharging device) for discharging medicine
from the accommodating container, and a motor for driving the discharge
drum, and a control device for rotating forward the motors to discharge
medicine. The control device performs an abnormality detection operation
(abnormality detection mode) in which a motor is rotated in reverse for a
predetermined period of time which is sufficiently shorter than a time
interval during which medicine is discharged and then rotated forward for
the predetermined period of time, and determines disconnection of a motor
on the basis of an energized current for the motor during the abnormality
detection operation. Thus, disconnection failure of motor can be reliably
detected, and maintenance for such a motor can be rapidly performed.

[0031]As the time interval for reverse rotation and forward rotation in
the abnormality detection operation is sufficiently shorter than the time
interval during which medicine is discharged, medicine cannot be
discharged by mistake. Further, as a motor is firstly rotated in reverse,
even if the next medicine, with respect to the previous discharge
operation, is on the verge of being discharged, the medicine cannot be
discharged by mistake.

[0032]In accordance with a preferred aspect, the control device in the
medicine supply apparatus performs the abnormality detection operation
for a plurality of tablet cases in turn. Thus, even if a plurality of
tablet cases are provided, disconnection failures of motors corresponding
to the tablet cases can be detected smoothly.

[0033]A third aspect of the invention is provided in order to minimize the
drawback in which supply of medicine is delayed because of failures of
operating elements such as parts that wear out used in the medicine
supply apparatus.

[0034]In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines, and which discharges medicine
from a selected tablet case and charges the medicine into a packaging
container to supply the medicine. The medicine supply apparatus comprises
a plurality of operating elements operated by being energized, a control
device for controlling the operations of the operating elements and a
storage medium for storing durability limit values for the operating
elements. The control device stores data indicating the operating time or
the frequency of operation for operating elements in the storage medium.

[0035]The data includes a cumulative value for the operating time or the
frequency of operation of an operating element from when the operating
element started to be used. Alternatively, the control device calculates
a cumulative value from the data. The medicine supply apparatus comprises
a diagnostic mode. In the diagnostic mode, the control device compares,
with respect to at least one operating element, its durability limit
value and its cumulative value and performs a predetermined failure
prediction operation on the basis of the result of comparison.

[0036]The medicine supply apparatus comprises a display device. The
control device controls the display device to display, on the basis of
the result of the comparison, an operating element whose cumulative value
has reached a predetermined value determined based on its durability
limit value.

[0037]Each of the tablet cases includes a driving motor for discharging
medicine accommodated therein, and the operating element may include the
driving motor. The medicine supply apparatus further comprises a shutter
for temporarily holding medicines discharged from tablet cases, prior to
being accommodated in a packaging container, and the operating element
may include the shutter. Further, the medicine supply apparatus comprises
a thermal sealing device for sealing a packaging container into which
medicine is charged, and the operating element may include the thermal
sealing device. The medicine supply apparatus further comprises a print
mechanism for printing predetermined items onto a packaging container,
and the operating element may include the print mechanism.

[0038]Namely, the medicine supply apparatus of the above-described aspects
comprises a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating medicines,
provided within a main body, a chute through which medicines discharged
from the tablet cases pass, a hopper provided below the chute, and a
charging device for charging medicines received by the hopper into a
container such as a bag or a bottle. The medicine supply apparatus
comprises a control device for adding up the operating time or the
frequency of operation for each of the parts that wear out provided
within the main body. If the operating time or the frequency of operation
for a part that wears out approximates a predetermined durability limit
or reaches the same, the control device performs a predetermined failure
prediction operation.

[0039]In accordance with a preferred aspect of the medicine supply
apparatus, the part that wears out is a motor for driving a drum for
discharging medicine from a tablet case.

[0040]In accordance with a preferred aspect, the part that wears out is a
shutter that is capable of being freely opened/closed in order to
temporarily receive medicine that falls into the hopper though the chute.

[0041]In accordance with a preferred aspect, the part that wears out is a
thermal sealing device for packaging paper, provided in the charging
device.

[0042]In accordance with a preferred aspect, the part that wears out is a
printer for packaging paper, provided in the charging device.

[0043]In accordance with the above-described aspects of the invention,
there is provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality
of tablet cases for accommodating medicines, provided within a main body,
a chute through which medicines discharged from the tablet cases pass, a
hopper provided below the chute, and a charging device for charging
medicines received by the hopper into a container such as a bag or a
bottle. The medicine supply apparatus comprises a control device for
adding up the operating time or the frequency of operation for each of
the parts that wear out (operating elements) provided within the main
body. If the operating time or the frequency of operation for a part that
wears out approximates a predetermined durability limit or reaches the
same, the control device performs a predetermined failure prediction
operation. Thus, if a part that wears out such as a motor for driving a
drum, a shutter, a thermal sealing device for packaging paper, or a
printer for packaging paper, approximates its durability limit value or
reaches the same, a user is informed of failure prediction, and the user
is asked to perform maintenance for the corresponding part that wears out
such as exchanging of the part.

[0044]As a result, it is possible to exchange such parts that wear out
before they are broken and to prevent stoppage of medicine supply by
failures.

[0045]In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus that is capable of simply printing
information such as how to take medicine provided to patients onto a
container or a label for the container.

[0046]In accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines, discharges medicine from a
selected tablet case, and charges the medicine into a packaging container
to supply the medicine. The medicine supply apparatus comprises a
printing mechanism provided so as to print predetermined items about
medicine to be charged into a packaging container onto the packaging
container. The printing mechanism is capable of printing with two or more
different colors. The packaging container has a label attached thereto
and the print mechanism prints predetermined items on the label.

[0048]The predetermined items preferably include indication of time slots
in which medicine charged into a packaging container should be taken.
Further, the print mechanism prints the time slots in which medicine
should be taken with different colors for each of the time slots.

[0049]Namely, the medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines and charges medicines discharged
from the tablet cases into a container such as a bag or a bottle. The
medicine supply apparatus comprises a printer for printing on a container
or a label for the container. The printer has the function of color
printing.

[0050]In accordance with a preferred aspect, the printer that the medicine
supply apparatus includes performs thermal transfer by color ink ribbons
onto a container or a label for the container.

[0051]In accordance with another preferred aspect of the medicine supply
apparatus, the printer prints the time slots in which medicine should be
taken with different colors.

[0052]In accordance with the above-described aspects, there is provided a
medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of tablet cases for
accommodating medicines and charges medicines discharged from the tablet
cases into a container such as a bag or a bottle. The medicine supply
apparatus comprises a printer for printing on a container or a label for
the container, and the printer has the function of color printing. For
example, the time slots in which medicine should be taken may be printed
by color ink ribbons with different colors. Thus, how to take medicine
can be easily indicated with different colors and convenience is
significantly improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention (with a top roof
removed).

[0054]FIG. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply apparatus shown in
FIG. 1 with door panels of shelves removed and lower panels opened.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the medicine supply apparatus
shown in FIG. 1.

[0056]FIG. 4 is another front view of the medicine supply apparatus shown
in FIG. 1.

[0057]FIG. 5 is a side view of the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.

[0058]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1 illustrating a state in which an additional medicine feeder is drawn
out.

[0059]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shelf of the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0060]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shelf shown in FIG. 7 with
accommodating containers of tablet cases removed.

[0061]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an accommodating container of a
tablet case of the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0062]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a driving base of a
tablet case of the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0063]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shelf for accommodating the
tablet cases and identification sensors in the medicine supply apparatus
shown in FIG. 1.

[0064]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tablet case and an identification
sensor in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0065]FIG. 13 is a perspective front view illustrating the relationship
between a shelf and a stay in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.

[0066]FIG. 14 is a perspective plan view illustrating the positional
relationship between stays in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.

[0067]FIG. 15 is a perspective side view illustrating the relationship
between the shelves and the stay in the medicine supply apparatus shown
in FIG. 1.

[0068]FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0069]FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0070]FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0071]FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0072]FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0073]FIG. 21 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0074]FIG. 22 is a view for explaining the operation of a keep solenoid in
the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0075]FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the operation of a keep solenoid in
the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0076]FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the operation of a lock release bar
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0077]FIG. 25 is a vertical sectional view of a shutter in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0078]FIG. 26 is a vertical front view of the shutter in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0079]FIG. 27 is another vertical front view of the shutter in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0080]FIG. 28 is a front view of a packaging machine in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0081]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a nozzle in the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0082]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a printer in the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0083]FIG. 31 is a view illustrating the positional relationship between a
printer head and a thermal sealing head relative to packaging paper in
the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0084]FIG. 32 is a view illustrating the result of printing onto the
packaging paper in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0085]FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another example of the result of
printing onto the packaging paper in the medicine supply apparatus shown
in FIG. 1.

[0086]FIG. 34 is a block diagram of an electric circuit for a control
device in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0087]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an additional unit in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0088]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another example of a shelf in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0089]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of yet another example of a shelf in
the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0090]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of yet another example of a shelf in
the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0091]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of yet another example of a shelf in
the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0092]FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another example of a lower
structure in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0093]FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a catcher portion of the lower
structure shown in FIG. 40.

[0094]FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the catcher portion of the
lower structure shown in FIG. 40.

[0095]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a medicine supply apparatus
relating to another embodiment of the invention (with a top roof
removed).

[0096]FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a basic procedure (main routine)
for a medicine preparation system performed in the medicine supply
apparatus of the invention.

[0097]FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure (subroutine) for a
medicine preparation operation performed in a step of medicine
preparation in the medicine preparation system.

[0098]FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a medicine supply procedure
(routine) performed by a processor different from a processor performing
the main routine on the basis of an instruction made in a step of
supplying selected medicine in the procedure for the medicine preparation
operation.

[0099]FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure
(subroutine) performed in a step of checking the operation of a drum
motor in the medicine preparation system.

[0100]FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure
(subroutine) performed in a step of checking a cumulative value for usage
time/frequency of operation for an operating part in the medicine
preparation system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0101]Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter
in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
a medicine supply apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention
(with a top roof 1A being removed). FIG. 2 is a front view of the
medicine supply apparatus 1 with door panels 6 of shelves 2 being removed
and lower panels 4 being opened. FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of
the medicine supply apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is another front view of the
medicine supply apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a side view of the medicine supply
apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a flat view of the medicine supply apparatus 1.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shelf 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view
of the shelf 2 with accommodating containers 51 of tablet cases 3 being
removed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the accommodating container 51
of the tablet case 3. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a
driving base 52 of the tablet case 3. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of
the shelf 2 and identification sensors 33. FIG. 12 is a perspective view
of the tablet case 3 and the identification sensor 33.

[0102]A medicine supply apparatus 1 of the invention is installed at
hospitals and pharmacies and is formed of a main body 7 formed in a
rectangular configuration with longer transverse sides and a personal
computer PC for control to be described later (which structures control
means). The main body 7 is formed of an upper structure 7A and a lower
structure 7B that are capable of being separated from each other. The
upper structure 7A is placed on the lower structure 7B and coupled
thereto. A case accommodating section 8 with its front, top and bottom
portions being opened for accommodating tablet cases 3 to be described
later is formed within the upper structure 7A. The top surface of the
case accommodating section 8 is closed by the detachable top roof 1A.

[0103]The front surface and the top surface of the lower structure 7B are
opened. The lower structure 7B is communicated with the top structure 7A
at its top surface. A packaging machine 13 or the like serving as a
charging device to be described later is accommodated within the lower
structure 7B and installed therein. The front opening of the lower
structure 7B is closed by lower panels 4 which can freely open together
on hinges.

[0104]Four columns and five rows (i.e., 20 in total) shelves 2 are placed
within the case accommodating section 8 of the upper structure 7A. A door
panel 6 is mounted to the front end of each of the shelves 2. In the
state that all shelves 2 are accommodated within the case accommodating
section 8, the door panels 6 close the front surface opening of the upper
structure 7A (the case accommodating section 8). A path 9 with its top
and bottom portions being opened is longitudinally formed at the central
portion of the shelf 2. Eight driving bases 52 of the tablet cases 3 are
respectively arranged at the right and left sides of the path 9 along the
longitudinal direction thereof and mounted thereat (i.e., 16 driving
bases 52 are mounted in total) (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The tablet case 3 is
formed of the driving base 52 and an accommodating container 51 coupled
thereon.

[0105]A drum motor (motor for driving drum) 14 formed of a DC (direct
current) motor with brush serving as a motor for driving drum is
accommodated from above within the driving base 52. The drum motor 14 is
fixed to the driving base 52 by a cover 16 and a lock tool 17. In the
state of the drum motor 14 being fixed, its drive shaft 14A protrudes
upward from the cover 16 (see FIG. 10). An optical medicine detection
sensor 18 is mounted to a discharge port 21 formed at the driving base
52. A discharge chute 19 extending downward at an incline from the
discharge port 21 is formed at the portion of the driving base 52 below
the medicine detection sensor 18 (see FIG. 10). The discharge chute 19 is
communicated with the path 9 and opened toward the same.

[0106]The top surface of the accommodating container 51 of the tablet case
3 is opened. The opened top surface is closed by a lid 22 which can be
freely opened/closed (see FIG. 9). A discharge drum 23 is mounted at the
bottom portion within the accommodating container 51. A plurality of
vertical grooves 24 are formed around the side surface of the discharge
drum 23 with predetermined intervals being formed therebetween. Medicine
is charged within the accommodating container 51 from its top surface
opening (with the lid 22 being opened). Two pieces of medicines are
entered within each of the vertical grooves 24 of the discharge drum 23.
An identification code 26 as identification means (identifier) that can
be optically identified (e.g., a barcode label or the like) is attached
to the lower side surface of the tablet case 3. The identification code
26 is used for identifying the type of medicine charged within the
accommodating container 51.

[0107]Such accommodating container 51 is mounted on the above-described
driving base 52 and detachably coupled thereto. At this time, the tablet
case 3 is mounted so that the identification code 26 faces the outer side
of the shelf 2 (the side opposite to the path 9). In this way, the tablet
case 3 is structured. The discharge drum 23 is detachably engaged with
the drive shaft 14A of the drum motor 14. When the drum motor 14 is
driven in forward, the discharge drum 23 is also rotated forward. Then,
the vertical grooves 24 are successively engaged with the discharge port
21 of the driving base 52, so that pieces of medicines within the grooves
pass into the discharge chute 19.

[0108]The medicine passing through the discharge port 21 is detected by
the medicine detection sensor 18. The medicine passing through the
discharge chute 19 is discharged into the path 9 of the shelf 2. If the
accommodating container 51 becomes empty, the accommodating container 51
is removed from the driving base 52 and then is replenished with
medicine.

[0109]The shelf 2 to which a plurality of tablet cases 3 are mounted as
described above is detachably fixed by screws to a pair of drawing rails
27 mounted within the case accommodating section 8 of the upper structure
7A (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Thus, the shelf 2 and the plurality of tablet
cases 3 mounted to the shelf 2 can be accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn. Further, the drawn
shelf 2 can be detached from the drawing rails 27 (see FIG. 5).

[0110]A harness 28 for energizing (supplying electricity to) the drum
motors 14 for the tablet cases 3 and transmitting outputs from the
medicine detection sensors 18 is detachably mounted via a connector 29 to
the rear edge of the shelf 2. The harness 28 is longer than the distance
the shelf 2 is drawn. Further, the harness 28 is held by a wiring holding
member 31 which is mounted to the upper structure 7A and can be folded
and extended (see FIG. 8).

[0111]When the shelves 2 are accommodated within the case accommodating
section 8, the paths 9 of the vertically placed shelves 2 correspond with
each other. Thus, a series of vertically communicating chutes 32 are
structured. Accordingly, in accordance with the embodiments, four
vertically extending chutes 32 are formed within the case accommodating
section 8. The shelves 2 capable of being drawn independently are
vertically provided within the case accommodating section 8. Thus, when
the accommodating container 51 for the tablet case 3 is exchanged, each
of the shelves 2 can be drawn and then exchange is performed.

[0112]Thereby, as compared to the structure that vertically arranged
shelves 2 are drawn at the same time, intervals between the vertically
arranged shelves 2 for exchanging the accommodating containers 51 can be
reduced. Thus, the number of tablet cases 3 accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8 can be increased. The path 9 is formed at the
central portion of the shelf 2 and the vertically extending chute 32 is
formed in the state the vertically arranged shelves 2 are accommodated
within the case accommodating section 8. Thus, as compared to the case
chute is formed at the side portion of the shelf 2, intervals of the
chutes 32 at the right and left sides can be reduced. Consequently, areas
of top surface openings of shutters 53 and a hopper 54 can be reduced
resulting in a compact apparatus.

[0113]A plurality of optical identification sensors 33 serving as readers
(reading means) are mounted to the right and left side surfaces of the
case accommodating section 8 of the upper structure 7A so as to
correspond to the tablet cases 3 in the shelves 2 placed at the right and
left sides (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The identification sensors 33 are
disposed so as to correspond to the identification codes 26 of the tablet
cases 3 in the shelves 2 at the sides of corresponding to the right and
left sides of the case accommodating section 8, and used for reading
information of the identification codes 26 in a non-contact manner.

[0114]Four vertically extending stays 34 serving as restriction means are
provided at the rear portion within the case accommodating section 8 of
the upper structure 7A so as to correspond to the rear portions of the
four columns of the shelves 2 (see FIGS. 13 to 15). Each of the stays 34
is mounted so as to be rotated about shafts 36 at upper and lower ends.
The stay 34 has, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 21, an L-shaped cross sectional
configuration. Further, the stay 34 has a restricting side 34A with five
engagement holes 37 being vertically formed and a releasing side 34B
vertically extending from the end portion of the restricting side 34A. A
coil spring 38 is engaged with the stay 34. By a restoring force of the
coil spring 38, the stay 34 is structured so as to be stably held in a
released state the sides 34A and 34B face backward as shown in FIG. 16
and a restricted state the restricting side 34A faces forward.

[0115]An operating member 39 extending rearward is mounted at the rear
surface of the shelf 2 so as to be protruded rearward. The operating
member 39 is provided in accordance with the height of each of the
engagement holes 37 of the stay 34, and has an L-shaped operating side
39A extending rearward and an L-shaped engaging side 39B placed forward.

[0116]When a column of shelves 2 is accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8, the stay 34 is in a released state as shown in
FIG. 16. This state is maintained stably by the coil spring 38. At this
time, the operating side 39A of the operating member 39 is placed at the
rear side of the restricting side 34A of the stay 34. When any of the
shelves 2 is drawn forward under such state, the operating side 39A
presses the restricting side 34A so that the stay 34 is rotated clockwise
in FIG. 16 (see FIG. 17). When the operating side 39 is moved forward
with respect to the stay 34, the stay 34 becomes in a restricted state
that the restricting side 34A of the stay 34 faces forward and the
releasing side 34B faces the right side.

[0117]Under such restricted state, the engaging sides 39B of the operating
members 39 for other shelves 2 enter respectively the engagement holes 37
of the restricting side 34A of the stay 34 and engaged therewith (see
FIG. 18). As a result, other shelves 2 cannot be drawn. Then, when the
drawn shelf 2 is pushed, the operating side 39A of the operating member
39 abuts the releasing side 34B of the stay 34 (see FIG. 19) and presses
the same, so that the stay 34 is rotated counter-clockwise in FIG. 19
(see FIG. 20). The restricting sides 34A are moved away from the engaging
sides 39B for the other shelves 2 and thus the engaging sides 39B are
disengaged from the engagement holes 37. In this way, the other shelves 2
can be drawn. When the corresponding shelf 2 is accommodated within the
case accommodating section 8, the stay 34 returns to its initial released
state and this state is stably maintained by the coil spring 38 (see FIG.
21).

[0118]Because of the above-described structure, only one of the shelves 2
in a column in vertical direction can be drawn and a plurality of shelves
2 cannot be drawn at the same time. As a result, it is possible to
prevent a drawback that a plurality of shelves 2 arranged in a column are
drawn at the same time and thus the main body 7 falls forward because of
loads of the drawn shelves 2.

[0119]Lock members 41 protruding forward in the above-described released
state are mounted to the stays 34. Keep solenoids 42 serving as lock
means are mounted to the upper structure 7A so as to correspond to the
front sides of the lock members 41 of the stays 34. Plungers 42A of the
keep solenoids 42 are protruded rearward. In the state that the keep
solenoid 42 makes the plunger 42A protrude rearward, the plunger 42A
abuts against the lock member 41 in the released state and rotation of
the stay 34 is prohibited (see FIG. 22). Thus, the stay 34 cannot be
rotated and the operating member 39 cannot be moved from the state shown
in FIG. 16. As a result, all shelves 2 arranged in a column corresponding
to the corresponding stay 34 cannot be drawn.

[0120]When the plunger 42A is retracted, the stay 34 becomes rotatable as
shown in FIG. 23 and thus unlocked. A reference numeral 43 denotes a lock
sensor provided at a position into which a leading edge 41A of the lock
member 41 enters when the stay 34 is in an unlocked state. The lock
sensor detects the lock member 41 under such state. When the leading edge
41A of the lock member 41 is moved away from the lock sensor 43, the
sensor 43 does not detect the lock member 41. In this way, the state of
the stay 34 can be identified.

[0121]A reference numeral 44 denotes a lock release bar serving as manual
unlock means. A plurality of the lock release bars are provided so as to
respectively correspond to the keep solenoids 42. The lock release bar 44
is formed in an L-shaped configuration. The trailing edge of the lock
release bar 44 is mounted to the position of engaged with the plunger
42A. The lock release bar 44 is normally retracted rearward by a coil
spring 46 and thus set apart from the plunger 42A (see FIGS. 22 and 23).
When the lock release bar 44 is drawn forward, the plunger 42A is
retracted toward the keep solenoid 42, so that the keep solenoid 42 is
unlocked (see FIG. 24). Thus, all shelves 2 vertically arranged in a
column can be unlocked manually.

[0122]In accordance with this embodiment, a plurality of shelves 2
vertically arranged in a column cannot be drawn at the same time and are
locked. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to this case. Shelves
transversely arranged in a row may be set not to be drawn at the same
time and to be locked. In this case, transverse stays are mounted in
accordance with five rows of shelves.

[0123]On the other hand, the packaging machine 13 (charging device) is
accommodated at the lower portion within the lower structure 7B of the
main body 7. The structure of the packaging machine 13 will be described
later in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the packaging machine 13 is
detachably fixed to drawing rails 47 mounted at the right and left sides
of the bottom surface within the lower structure 7B. Thus, while the
lower panels 4 are open, the packaging machine 13 can be drawn forward
from the lower structure 7B. The drawn packaging machine 13 can be
detached from the drawing rails 47. A reference numeral 48 indicates a
harness for packaging machine that is detachably connected by connectors
between the packaging machine 13 and the lower structure 7B. The harness
48 has a length sufficient for permitting an amount the packaging machine
13 is drawn.

[0124]Two shutters 53 are transversely provided at the upper portion
within the lower structure 7B. Each of the shutters 53 corresponds to
lower portions of the chutes 32. The right side shutter 53 corresponds to
the chute 32 at the right end side and the chute 32 next to the same and
the left side shutter 53 corresponds to the chute 32 at the left end side
and the chute 32 next to the same. The shutters temporarily receive
medicine falling through the chutes 32 into the hopper 54 to be described
later.

[0125]The hopper 54 is provided within the lower structure 7B so as to
correspond to the lower portions of the shutters 53. The hopper 54 is
formed in a rectangular funnel configuration so as to have widely opened
top surface and gradually reduced diameter toward its lower end. The
hopper 54 receives medicine falling through the chutes 32 and passing
through the shutters 53 and discharges the medicine from its lower end
opening 54A.

[0126]The right and left upper ends of the hopper 54 are detachably fixed
by screws to drawing rails 56 mounted to the right and left upper
portions within the lower structure 7B. The shutters 53 are placed on the
drawing rails 56 and detachably fixed by screws to the drawing rails 56.
Thus, while the lower panels 4 are open, the hopper 54 and the shutters
53 can be freely drawn forward from the lower structure 7B at the same
time. Further, the drawn hopper 54 and the shutters 53 can be detached
from the drawing rails 56 (see FIG. 5). Although not illustrated,
detachable harnesses for the shutters 53 are also provided. These
harnesses have the length sufficient to permit an amount the shutters 53
are drawn.

[0127]Because of such structure, when the maintenance such as exchange for
tablet cases 3, cleaning for the chutes 32 formed of the paths 9 and the
hopper 54 and exchange for parts for the packaging machine 13 is
performed, components to be subjected to the maintenance are drawn from
the upper structure 7A or the lower structure 7B of the main body 7 and
then detached.

[0128]The workability of the maintenance for the medicine supply apparatus
1 is significantly improved and smooth charging of medicine can be
realized. In particular, a plurality of the tablet cases 3 in the shelf 2
can be drawn from the upper structure 7A at the same time. The
accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 are detachably
mounted. Thus, the workability for exchanging the accommodating
containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 is further improved.

[0129]Further, also the shutters 53 are mounted so as to be drawn from the
lower structure 7B and to be freely detached therefrom. Thus, the
workability of the maintenance for the shutters 53 for temporarily
receiving medicine falling into the hopper 54 is also improved. In
particular, the shutters 53 and the hopper 54 are mounted so as to be
drawn from the lower structure 7B at the same time. Then, the workability
of the maintenance for the shutters 53 and the hopper 54 is even further
improved.

[0130]An additional medicine feeder (UTC) 57 is mounted at the upper
central portion within the lower structure 7B so as to be placed between
the shutters 53. In this case, the additional medicine feeder 57 is
mounted so as to be independently drawn forward without being covered by
the lower panels 4 and to be freely detached from the lower structure 7B
(see FIGS. 1 and 6). The additional medicine feeder 57 is used for
arbitrarily supplying additional medicine and communicates with the
hopper 54.

[0131]Next, the structure of the shutters 53 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 25 to 27. Each of the shutters 53 is formed in a
substantially symmetrical configuration with longer sides in a rearward
direction of the lower structure 7B. Further, the shutter 53 is formed of
inclined walls 61A and 61B set apart from each other from downwards
toward upwards while being inclined, a main body 62 formed in a
rectangular funnel configuration with its top surface being widely opened
and a pair of open/close plates 63A and 63B for opening/closing a
narrowed lower end opening 62A of the main body 62.

[0132]The open/close plates 63A and 63B are operated by a shutter solenoid
64, a coil spring 58 and a link mechanism 66 provided at the rear portion
of the shutter 53. The open/close plates 63A and 63B are driven so as to
be in a closed state shown in FIG. 26 that the open/close plates 63A and
63B substantially continues the inclined walls 61A and 61B respectively
from their lower ends and the lower ends of the open/close plates 63A and
63B abuts with each other to close the lower end opening 62A of the main
body 62 and in an open state shown in FIG. 27 that the open/close plate
63A is rotated clockwise in the figure and the open/close plate 63B is
rotated counter-clockwise in the figure such that their lower ends are
moved away from each other to open the lower end opening 62A.

[0133]A curtain 67 serving as a cushioning member is mounted within the
shutter 53. The curtain 67 is made of materials with flexibility capable
of absorbing kinetic energies for medicines falling though chutes 32,
colliding the inclined walls 61A and 61B and bouncing back, such as thin
fabric, rubber and synthetic resins. The curtain 67 is hung down from the
upper central portion within the main body 62. The lower end of the
curtain 67 is extended even further than the lower end opening 62A and
nipped by the closed open/close plates 63A and 63B as shown in FIG. 26.

[0134]Because of the above-described structure, kinetic energies of
medicines falling within the shutter 53 and bouncing back are absorbed by
the curtain 67 and the medicines are rapidly collected from the lower end
opening 62A onto the open/close panels 63A and 63B, and then becomes
stationary. Especially, as the curtain 67 is extended from the upper
portion of the shutter 53 to the lower end portion thereof, falling
medicine easily abuts against the curtain 67 resulting in an improvement
in impact absorption action. As a result, the time required for medicine
to become stationary is even further reduced. Further, as the curtain 67
is nipped by the open/close plates 63A and 63B, noise occurring when the
lower ends of the open/close plates 63A and 63B abut can be absorbed.

[0135]Then, the structure of the packaging machine 13 will be described
with reference to FIG. 28. A reference numeral 71 indicates a roll around
which a thermally adhering packaging paper 72 (which structures a
container) is rolled. A reference numeral 73 indicates a printer, a
reference numeral 74 indicates a nozzle attached to the lower end opening
54A of the hopper 54 and a reference numeral 76 indicates a thermal
sealing head (thermal sealing device) made of a silicon rubber. A
reference numeral 77 indicates a roller for conveying the packaging paper
72 drawn from the roll 71, a reference numeral 79 indicates a cutter for
cutting the packaging paper 72 and a reference numeral 81 indicates a
conveyer for conveying the packaging paper 72 packaging medicine and then
cut to an output port 82 provided at the lower panel 4. The conveyer is
successively provided along a conveyance path for the packaging paper 72.
A reference numeral 83 is a motor for operating the thermal sealing head
76, a reference numeral 78 indicates a motor for driving the roller 77
and a reference numeral 84 indicates a motor for the conveyer 81.

[0136]The packaging paper 72 rolled around the roll 71 has a substantially
V-shaped cross-sectional configuration so that its top surface is opened
and its lower end is folded and closed. The packaging paper 72 is drawn
from the roll 71 downward at an incline to the right by the roller 77.
Then, printing is performed upon the surface of the packaging paper 72 by
the printer 73 as described later. Medicine discharged from the nozzle 74
is charged into the packaging paper 72. The packaging paper 72 is divided
for each piece of medicine by thermal adhesion performed by the thermal
sealing head 76. The divided packaging paper 72 packaging pieces of
medicines is cut by the cutter 79 and then conveyed to the output port 84
placed at the top left portion of the lower structure 7B by the conveyer
81.

[0137]The nozzle 74 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical configuration
with its top and bottom surfaces being opened as shown in FIG. 29. An
insertion guide side 86 inserted into the packaging paper 72 is formed in
a protruded manner at the lower end of the nozzle 74 at the side of the
printer 73. A paper guide side 87 for closing the top surface opening of
the packaging paper 72 is formed so as to oppose the insertion guide side
86. The upper end opening of the nozzle 74 opposes the lower end opening
54A of the hopper 54. Medicine received by the hopper 54 enters the
nozzle 74 and then charged within the packaging paper 72 guided by the
insertion guide side 86.

[0138]The nozzle 74 is mounted to the hopper 54 so as to swing about a
rotating shaft 89 of a holding member 88 in a direction perpendicular to
a direction the packaging paper 72 is advanced (indicated by the arrow
shown in FIG. 28) (i.e., swing in a longitudinal direction). Thus, even
if the positions of the hopper 54 and the nozzle 74 do not strictly
coincide the position of the packaging paper 72 in the packaging machine
13, the nozzle 74 swings by a positional error, so that the insertion
guide side 86 is smoothly inserted into the packaging paper 72 and
medicine can be charged into the packaging paper. Consequently, the
workability for mounting such components is improved.

[0139]Next, the printer 73 will be described. The printer 73 is a thermal
transfer type printer using ink ribbons. As shown in FIG. 30, the
packaging paper 72 is pressed toward a color ink ribbon 91 by a pressing
plate 92 and predetermined printing is performed onto the surface of the
packaging paper 72 by a thermal transfer head 93. A reference numeral 94
is an open/close cover for the printer 73. Directions that the color ink
ribbon 91 and the packaging paper 72 are advanced are indicated by arrows
in the figure.

[0140]FIG. 31 shows the positional relationship between the printer head
93 and the thermal sealing head 76 with respect to the packaging paper 72
and the state printing is performed between the printer head 93 and the
thermal sealing head 76. In accordance with this embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 32, the color ink ribbon 91 is formed of four different color bands
extended in its widthwise direction. The largest band C1 for printing is,
for example, black, a band C2 is blue, a band C3 is red and a band C4 is
a yellow.

[0141]The printer 73 with the above-described structure prints in black a
name, a date when medicine should be taken and a time slot in which
medicine should be taken at the band C1. Further, a black line L1 is
printed for medicine package to be taken before sleep, a blue line L2 is
printed for medicine package to be taken after supper and a yellow line
L4 is printed for medicine package to be taken before breakfast. In this
way, time slots in which medicine should be taken are displayed by
different colors. Accordingly, the time slot in which medicine should be
taken is easily discriminated and mistakes such as taking wrong medicine
can be effectively eliminated. The time slots in which medicine should be
taken may be printed by characters in the lines L1, L2 and L4 as shown in
FIG. 32.

[0142]Data printed onto the packaging paper is prepared on the basis of
data inputted to a prescribed medicine table to be described later.
Written into the prescribed medicine table are, in addition to a
patient's name, a medicine's name and a medicine code, a positional code
for the tablet 3 accommodating the medicine, the number of medicines
prescribed, a time slot in which the medicine should be taken and the
number of the medicines taken at a time on the basis of the inputted
prescription data or by making reference to a database for accommodated
medicines to be described later. The data to be printed is read out from
the prescribed medicine table. At the printer driver, print data of
corresponding item to be printed is supplied to each of print heads
placed so as to correspond to the respective colors of the color ink
ribbon.

[0143]FIG. 34 shows a block diagram of an electric circuit for a control
device 95 in the medicine supply apparatus 1. The control device 95
serving as control means is structured so as to include a general purpose
microcomputer 97. Connected via a driver circuit 94 to an output of the
microcomputer 97 are the drum motors 14 for the tablet cases 3, the
packaging machine 13, the printer 73, the shutter solenoids 64 and the
keep solenoids 42. The microcomputer 97 controls the driver circuit 94 to
apply a DC24V power source to the drum motors 14. Then, the drum motors
14 are rotated forward or in reverse.

[0144]The microcomputer 97 is illustrated as a single block. The
microcomputer 97 is provided with required number of processors in
accordance with the number of processings performed in parallel.

[0145]A memory (not shown) serving as an external storage is connected to
the microcomputer 97. A hard disk for a personal computer PC may be also
used as the storage.

[0146]Connected to an input of the microcomputer 97 are an output of a
current transformer 96 for detecting the communicating current of each
drum motor 14, the outputs of the lock sensors 43, the outputs of the
medicine detection sensors 18 and the outputs of identification sensors
33. The microcomputer 97 is connected to the personal computer PC so as
to accomplish data communication with the same.

[0147]The operation of the medicine supply apparatus 1 of the invention
with the above-described structure will be described. When a power source
is switched on, the shutters 53 are closed. Further, assume that the
shelves 2 that the tablet cases 3 accommodating predetermined medicine
are mounted are mounted within the case accommodating section 8 of the
upper structure 7A as described above.

[0148]When a power source for the medicine supply apparatus 1 is switched
on, the microcomputer 97 for the control device 95 reads by the
identification sensors 33 identification codes for the tablet cases 3 in
the shelves 2 placed at the right and left end of the case accommodating
section 8 of the upper structure 7A. Data about types of medicines
accommodated in the tablet cases 3 is stored together with the positions
of the tablet cases 3. The data is also sent to the personal computer PC.

[0149]The microcomputer 97 has a database about the types of medicines
within the tablet cases 3 accommodated within the case accommodating
section 8 and the position of the corresponding tablet case 3 (i.e., a
database for accommodated medicines) in an unillustrated external storage
connected to the microcomputer 97. The database is also sent to the
personal computer PC. The identification codes read by the identification
sensors 33 are also added to the database.

[0150]Firstly, a system for preparing medicines related with a series of
medicine preparation operations will be described. FIG. 44 shows a
control procedure performed by the microcomputer 97 (a main processor).
Firstly, when a system for preparing medicines is activated by switching
on a power source, an identification code is read in step 401. A name of
medicine accommodated within each of the tablet cases is recognized and
an identification code (a medicine's name) is stored, together with a
positional code indicating its accommodated position, in an accommodated
medicine database (step 401). The database is shared with the personal
computer PC.

[0151]Next, operating elements (operating parts) serving as parts that
wear out are periodically checked. An add-up value for usage of the
operating parts, i.e., a cumulative usage time or a frequency of
operation is checked (step 402). This routine will be described later in
detail with reference to FIG. 48. When the cumulative usage time or the
frequency of operation serving as the add-up value for the operating
parts has been checked, operations of the drum motors for the tablet
cases are periodically checked (step 403). The procedure for this
operational check (routine) will be described later in detail with
reference to FIG. 47. In accordance with this embodiment, it is
structured so that such periodic checks are performed every time when a
power source is switched on. The periodic checks may be performed at an
appropriate time or when the number a power source is switched on reaches
a predetermined number.

[0152]When steps 402 and 403 for such checks are completed, the system is
placed in a state of waiting for prescription data to be inputted. Unless
it is determined in step 405 that the system is instructed to end, the
system is in a state of waiting for prescription data to be inputted
(steps 404 and 405). When an operator inputs the prescription data from
the personal computer PC on the basis of a prescription prepared by a
doctor, a table for prescribed medicines is prepared on the basis of one
medicine or two or more medicines prescribed at the same time. Then, it
is checked whether the medicine is accommodated within any tablet cases 3
in the medicine supply apparatus 1 by making reference to a database for
accommodated medicines (step 406). In the table for prescribed medicines,
in addition to a patient's name, a medicine's name and a medicine code, a
positional code that the medicine is accommodated, the number of the
medicines, a time slot in which the medicine should be taken, a number of
medicines to be taken at a time, a presence or absence of other medicines
to be packaged within the same package are prepared on the basis of the
inputted prescription data or the database for accommodated medicines. In
step 406, presence or absence of medicines in the table for prescribed
medicines is checked by verifying the accommodated medicine database. If
the medicine exists in the accommodated medicine database, the positional
code of the medicine is written by making reference to the accommodated
medicine database. On the other hand, if any of medicines to be
prescribed is not accommodated within the medicine supply apparatus 1,
namely if a tablet case 3 for medicine required for prescription does not
exist in the case accommodating section 8, the positional code for such
medicine is not written.

[0153]When all medicines in the table for prescribed medicines are
verified with respect to the database for accommodated medicines, it is
determined in step 407 whether or not all medicines are accommodated. A
name of medicine whose positional code is not written is sent to the
personal computer PC and displayed on a display screen for the personal
computer PC as an unaccommodated medicine (step 408). The operator
watches the display, draws the shelf 2 accommodating the tablet case 3
and loads the accommodating container 51 for the medicine to be
replenished therein. At this time, the required number of positions of
the accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 accommodating
medicines that may be exchanged for new medicines are also displayed on
the display screen. Such exchangeable accommodating containers 51 may be
containers for medicines that need not to be accommodated in a package.
Thus, the exchangeable accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases 3
may be, among the medicines existing in the database for accommodated
medicines, for medicines that do not exist in the prescribed medicine
table. Alternatively, the database for accommodated medicines may
include, with respect to each medicine, information about its frequency
of being prepared and tablet cases 3 accommodating medicines with lower
frequencies of being prepared may be successively displayed.

[0154]When unaccommodated medicines and exchangeable medicines are
displayed on the display screen for the personal computer PC, the system
is placed in a waiting state of waiting an instruction of restart of the
medicine preparation operation (step 409). When the accommodating
containers 51 for medicines to be newly added have been loaded, the
operator instructs to restart the operation for preparing medicines. When
the instruction for restart is recognized (step 409), identification
codes are read again, the database for accommodated medicine is updated
on the basis of results of reading and the routine returns to step 406.
When it is confirmed that all medicines necessary for a prescription have
been accommodated (step 407), the process proceeds to an operation for
preparing medicines (step 411).

[0155]FIG. 45 illustrates a procedure (subroutine) for performing the
operation for preparing medicines. The tablet cases 3 for medicines to be
prepared are successively selected on the basis of the prescribed
medicine table on a package basis in the order of being inputted (step
501).

[0156]Then, the selected medicine is instructed to be supplied from the
tablet case 3 accommodating the selected medicines (step 502). In
accordance with this instruction, the processor for controlling the
operation for supplying medicine starts a predetermined procedure
(routine) for supplying medicine to be described later. This routine is
preferably performed in parallel with other processings in order to
improve the efficiency of the system. Thus, this routine proceeds by
being controlled by different processor on the basis of the instruction
to start supply of the selected medicine. The microcomputer 97 of this
embodiment is structured so as to have two or more processors capable of
processing in parallel. The routine for supplying the selected medicine
is performed and medicine to be packaged is supplied onto the open/close
panels 63A and 63B of the shutter 53.

[0157]During this routine, in step 503, the packaging paper 72 for
packaging medicine starts to be supplied. The printer 73 prints
predetermined items about selected prescribed medicine onto a fed
packaging paper on the basis of the data of the prescribed medicine
table.

[0158]When it is confirmed by an unillustrated sensor or the like that the
routine for supplying medicine ends (step 504), the open/close panels 63A
and 63B are opened (step 505) and medicine is charged through the hopper
54 into the packaging paper 72 placed immediately below the nozzle 74.
This opening/closing updates data in a table for managing operating parts
to be described later as a part of data for performing maintenance of
operating parts (step 506).

[0159]Then, it is instructed in step 507 to start packaging of medicine. A
packaging paper is fed to the thermal sealing head and the opening
portion of the packaging paper 72 is closed thereat. Then, the packaging
paper 72 is cut at a predetermined position and outputted outside from
the output port 72.

[0160]When it is instructed to start packaging of medicine in step 507,
the procedure proceeds to step 508. It is determined by making reference
to the table for prescribed medicines whether there exists medicines that
are in the table for prescribed medicines but not selected yet as
medicines to be prepared (step 508). If the answer to the determination
in step 508 is affirmed, the routine returns to step 501. Then, the
medicine in the next order in the prescribed medicine table is selected
and the above-described procedure is repeated for this medicine.

[0161]Namely, the microcomputer 97 energizes the shutter solenoid 64 to
open the open/close panels 63A and 63B (see FIG. 27). Medicine passes
into the hopper 54 and is charged into the packaging paper 72 via the
nozzle 74. The medicine is packaged by the above-described packaging
machine 13 and then sent to outside at the output port 82. Packaging
starts when the medicine passes from the shutter 53 to the hopper 54 and
the next medicine is discharged before the previous packaging is
completed. Thus, the microcomputer 97 reduces the time required for
packaging. Above-described printing with respect to medicine to be
packaged is performed by the printer 73 before the medicine is charged.

[0162]If the answer to the determination in step 508 is negative, the
procedure for performing the medicine preparation operation ends. Then,
the process returns to P1 in the routine for medicine preparation system
shown in FIG. 44 and is placed in a state of waiting for next
prescription data to be inputted. Namely, the process waits to an
instruction to stop the system or an instruction to start a new
prescription.

[0163]FIG. 46 illustrates a procedure for supplying the selected medicine.
In accordance with this procedure, the drum motor 14 for the tablet case
accommodating the selected medicine is rotated forward by the driver 94
and thus the discharge drum 23 is rotated (in forward), so that medicine
within the vertical groove 24 is discharged one by one into the discharge
port 21. At this time, the processor of the microcomputer 97 governing
this control inputs a medicine detection signal from the medicine
detection sensor 18 and counts discharged medicines. When a predetermined
number of medicines are discharged, the drum motor 14 is stopped.
Discharged medicines enter from the discharge chute 19 into the chute 32
formed of the paths 9 and are temporarily received by the shutter 53.

[0164]Specifically, when it is instructed to supply selected medicines in
the procedure for performing the medicine preparation operation shown in
FIG. 45 (step 502), a routine for performing supply of selected medicines
shown in FIG. 46 starts and an initial setting is performed. Namely, with
respect to medicines selected on the basis of a package in step 501 in
the procedure for performing the medicine preparation operation, the
number (M) of types of medicines to be accommodated within the same
package and the order of supplying the medicines are set on the basis of
the prescribed medicine table data and stored in a predetermined storage
region.

[0165]The procedure proceeds to step 602. In step 602, a medicine in the
first order is selected and the prescribed number (N) of the medicines is
stored in another predetermined storage region on the basis of the
prescribed medicine table data.

[0166]Then, the procedure proceeds to step 603. The drum motor 14 for the
tablet case 3 for the firstly selected medicine is driven for a
predetermined period of time so that the vertical groove 24 of the drum
coincides the discharge port 21 (step 604). The drive time is used for
updating the data of the table for managing operating parts to be
described later as a part of the operating part maintenance data (step
605). When the medicines pass into the discharge port 21, its number (P)
is detected by the medicine detection sensor 18 and counted (step 606).
In step 607, the number (P) does not reach the prescribed number (N) of
the medicines in the prescribed medicine table (N-P>0), namely, if it
does not satisfy N-P=0, the routine returns to step 604 and a discharge
operation is repeated until the number of discharged medicines coincides
the prescribed number of medicines. If the discharged number of medicines
does not satisfy the prescribed number of the medicines after a
predetermined period of time passes, the medicine supply apparatus 1 may
be structured to indicate an abnormality that the selected medicine does
not remain within the accommodating container 51.

[0167]When the discharged number coincides with the prescribed number,
this routine proceeds to step 608. The number of types of medicines to be
accommodated within the same packaging paper that is stored in a
predetermined storage region is subtracted 1 (MM-1). In next step
609, it is determined whether or not medicines that are not prescribed
yet exist (M=0?). If there exists medicines that are not prescribed yet,
the procedure returns to step 602 and the medicine in the next
prescription order is selected and its number (N) is set again. Then, the
operation for supplying the medicine is repeated. If it is determined in
step 609 that all types of medicines to be accommodated within the same
package have been supplied, this routine ends.

[0168]As described above, 320 tablet cases 3 are accommodated within the
tablet case accommodating section 8 in this embodiment. Accordingly, at
most 320 types of medicines can be supplied and packaged. When medicines
used cannot be accommodated within the case accommodating section 8, the
accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 in the shelves 2 at
the right and left end sides of the case accommodating section 8 (i.e.,
at the side walls of the case accommodating section 8) are exchanged for
the accommodating containers 51 accommodating necessary types of
medicines. Identification codes for the exchanged accommodating
containers 51 are read by the identification sensors 33 and inputted to
the microcomputer 97. Read data of new medicines is added to the
database.

[0169]One or a plurality of tablet cases 3 for one or a plurality of types
of medicines to be charged do not exist within the case accommodating
section 8, the microcomputer 97 sends data to the personal computer PC to
display a guide about exchange of tablet cases 3 on the screen of the
personal computer PC. The microcomputer 97 sends data to the personal
computer PC to display, on the screen thereof, a guide about the
positions (addresses) of the accommodating containers 51 for the tablet
cases 3 that may be removed. For example, when a plurality of types of
medicines are charged into a package, accommodating containers 51 other
than the accommodating containers 51 accommodating the medicines to be
charged are displayed in a guide as exchangeable containers. Thus, it is
possible to prevent a drawback that when a plurality of types of
medicines are charged into a package, in order to mount accommodating
containers 51 for medicines that do not exist in the case accommodating
section 8, accommodating containers 51 accommodating medicines that
should be charged into the package are removed.

[0170]Then, the microcomputer 97 controls the driver 94 to perform an
abnormality detection operation. In accordance with this abnormality
detection operation, the drum motor 14 is periodically rotated in reverse
for a predetermined short period of time (e.g., for 10 ms) and then
rotated forward for the same period of time. The time interval during
which the drum motor 14 is rotated forward or in reverse in the
abnormality detection operation is sufficiently shorter than a time
interval during which the vertical groove 24 coincides the discharge port
21 by rotation of the discharge drum 23 (i.e., a time interval during
which medicine is discharged).

[0171]The microcomputer 97 fetches an energized current value for the drum
motor 14 during the abnormality detection operation by the current
transformer 96. If a current is not applied to the drum motor 14, it is
determined that windings of the drum motor 13 are disconnected and an
alarm operation is performed. Data of this alarm is sent to the personal
computer PC and displayed on its screen. This abnormality detection
operation is successively performed upon the drum motors 14 for all
tablet cases 3. Because the time during which the drum motor is rotated
forward or in reverse in the abnormality detection operation is
sufficiently shorter than the time required for medicine to be
discharged, medicine is not discharged.

[0172]In particular, the drum motor 14 is firstly rotated in reverse.
Thus, even if a medicine tends to fall into the discharge port 21 from
the vertical groove 24 in the previous discharge operation (the drum
motor 14 was rotated forward), this medicine is not discharged into the
discharge port 21.

[0173]FIG. 47 illustrates a control procedure (routine) for a processing
for checking the operation of the drum motor 14 for the tablet case 3.

[0174]The drum motors 14 are ordered in advance for check and the
abnormality detection operation is performed in this order. When the
routine starts, in a step for initial setting in step 700, order
information for the abnormality detection operation is read and settings
necessary for performing this routine are performed. The order
information may be stored in the external storage or in the personal
computer PC.

[0175]In step 701, the first drum motor 14 to be subjected to the
abnormality detection operation is selected in accordance with the order
(step 701). The selected drum motor 14 is energized for a predetermined
period of time so as to be rotated in reverse (step 702) and a current
value at that time is read and recorded in a predetermined storage region
(step 703). Then the drum motor 14 is energized for a predetermined
period of time so as to rotate forward (step 704) and a current value at
that time is also read and recorded in a predetermined storage region
(step 705). The time during when the drum motor 14 is driven for such
check operations is added to the table for operating parts to be
described later and the data of the table is updated (step 706).

[0176]Then, the routine proceeds to step 707 and it is determined whether
the abnormality detection operation has been ended for all drum motors 14
to be subjected to operational check (step 707). If the answer to the
determination in step 707 is negative, the routine returns to step 701
and the drum motor 14 in the next order is selected and the steps 701 to
707 are repeated for the drum motor. If it is determined in step 707 that
the abnormality operation has been ended for all drum motors 14, the
routine proceeds to step 708. In step 708, it is determined on the basis
of the current value data in the storage region whether the current
values read by experimentally driving the drum motors 14 are within a
predetermined range, extremely larger or smaller than the predetermined
range, or whether none of current values is measured. Then, drum motors
14 with current values outside the predetermined range are extracted. If
a current value is extremely small or not measured at all, it is
estimated that connection inferior or disconnection may occur. If a
current value is extremely large, it is estimated that overload may occur
because of some causes.

[0177]Basically, such abnormality detection operation is periodically
performed for all drum motors 14 in turn. A drum motor list for
identifying a drum motor 14 is prepared for each of types of
abnormalities. A display for identifying the drum motor 14 that an
abnormality operation occurs (e.g., positional information of the tablet
case 3) is displayed on the screen of the personal computer PC (step 709)
and then this routine ends.

[0178]The microcomputer 97 energizes, on the basis of the instruction data
from the personal computer PC, one or a plurality of the keep solenoids
42 corresponding to one column of the shelves 2 or all columns of the
shelves 2 identified by an input operation to the personal computer PC to
protrude the plungers 42A rearward, so that the corresponding stays are
in a locked state. Thus, all shelves 2 in a column corresponding to the
keep solenoid 42 (or all columns of the shelves 2) cannot be drawn as
described above (see FIG. 22). In order to unlock, the keep solenoid 42
is energized in an opposite direction on the basis of an input operation
to the personal computer PC. The plunger 42A is retracted as described
above (see FIG. 23).

[0179]An access right for lock and unlock operations is set by a user in
the personal computer PC (a password or the like). Thus, it is possible
to prevent the drawback that the shelves 2 are carelessly drawn and
different medicines are accommodated within the tablet cases 3.

[0180]The microcomputer 97 determines by the lock sensor 43 whether the
stay 34 is in the above-described released state or in a restricted
state. When any of the shelves 2 is drawn, the keep solenoid 42
corresponding to the column with the stay 34 being in a restricted state
is not subjected to the above-describe lock operation. Thus, it is
possible to prevent the lock member 41 of the stay 34 in a restricted
state from being engaged with the plunger 42A of the keep solenoid 42 and
not being capable of rotating.

[0181]As described above, the locked state of the keep solenoid 42 may be
manually released by drawing the unlock lever 44. Thus, even if the keep
solenoid 42 is broken and its locked state cannot be released, the
shelves 2 can be drawn smoothly.

[0182]The microcomputer 97 adds up the operating time for the drum motors
14 in the above-described operation for discharging medicine and
packaging the same. Further, the microcomputer 97 also adds up the
frequencies of operations for the shutter solenoids 64, the keep
solenoids 42, the thermal sealing head 76 for the packaging machine 13
and the thermal transfer head 93 for the printer 73. Durability limit
values for such parts that wear out are inputted and set in the
microcomputer 97.

[0183]When the operating time or the frequency of operation for such part
that wears out approximates or reaches its durability limit value, the
microcomputer 97 sends failure prediction data to the personal computer
PC to display on the screen for the personal computer PC a failure
prediction that the corresponding wear-out part may be broken with high
possibility. Thus, a user can exchange in advance the drum motor 14, the
shutter solenoid 64, the keep solenoid 42, the thermal sealing head 76 or
the thermal transfer head 93 approximating or reaching their durability
limits. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a delay of supply of
medicines due to such wear-out parts being broken.

[0184]FIG. 48 illustrates a procedure for checking an add-up value that
relates to the usage for the operating elements (operating parts) serving
as the wear-out parts, i.e., a cumulative usage time or a frequency of
operation. A table for operating parts stores data of the order of the
operating parts used for the system being checked with respect to their
operations and durability limit values for such parts relating to their
usage (i.e., cumulative usage times or cumulative frequencies of
operation). This table is stored in a memory (which may be a storage
externally connected to the microcomputer 97 or a hard disk for the
personal computer PC). When the microcomputer 97 instructs each of the
operation parts to operate, its usage time or its usage number is
accumulated every time when the operation of the operating part ends and
written in the table for each corresponding operating part.

[0185]When it is instructed in step 402 shown in FIG. 44 to check the
cumulative usage time or the usage number for operating parts, a
processing procedure (a routine) shown in FIG. 48 starts. In step 800,
the data of the checking order is read and thus the order is set.
Further, initial settings necessary for performing this routine are
performed. In step 801, the first part is specified in accordance with
the predetermined order and then the data relating to this part in the
operating part table is read (step 802).

[0186]In steps 803 and 804, the durability limit value (Si) for this part
(i) relating to the usage time or the frequency of operation is compared
to the cumulative usage time or the cumulative frequency of operation
(Ni) at that time for the part. If the cumulative usage time or the
cumulative frequency of operation (Ni) coincides the durability limit
value (Si) or exceeds the same in step 804, it is determined that the
part reaches its durability limit and is displayed on the screen for the
personal computer PC (step 805).

[0187]Thereafter, similar to the case that it is determined in step 805
that the part does not reach its durability limit, this routine proceeds
step 806. Then, this routine returns to step 801 unless it is determined
that all operating parts to be checked are compared, and a part to be
compared next is specified in accordance with the order. On the other
hand, if all parts have been compared, this routine ends.

[0188]FIG. 35 illustrates an additional unit 98 which can be mounted to
the medicine supply apparatus 1. For example, in a large-scale hospital,
320 tablet cases 3 as shown in FIG. 1 may be insufficient. Then, in such
case, the top roof 1A of the upper structure 7A is removed and the
additional unit 98 is connected on the upper structure 7A with its top
surface being opened and fixed thereto (the top roof 1A is mounted on the
top surface of the additional unit 98). Four shelves 2 are arranged
horizontally in the additional unit 98 so as to be freely drawn. Thus, 64
tablet cases 3 are added.

[0189]Each of the lower ends of the paths 9 for the shelves 2 in the
additional unit 98 corresponds to each of the upper ends of the paths 9
for the underlying shelves 2 within the case accommodating section 8.
Such paths 9 structure chutes 32. The drum motors 14 for the tablet cases
3 and the medicine detection sensors 18 in the additional unit 98 are
connected to the microcomputer 97 and the same discharge operation as the
above-described one is performed.

[0190]As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, a shelf 2A which has a height twice
higher than the shelf 2 can be provided within the case accommodating
section 8 so as to be freely drawn. As shown in the figures, a tablet
case 3A with an accommodating container 51A with large capacity is
mounted to the shelf 2. FIG. 36 illustrates the example that the normal
tablet case 3 and the tablet case 3A with large capacity are mounted in a
mixed manner. FIG. 37 illustrates the example that only the tablet case
3A with large capacity is mounted. In both cases, the above-described
harness 28 is connected to the shelves by connectors.

[0191]A shelf 2B to which a tablet case 3B for half-tablet medicine
(halved tablet) is mounted can be provided within the case accommodating
section 8 so as to be freely drawn, as shown in FIG. 38. The
above-described harness 28 is also connected to this shelf 2B by
connectors. As shown in FIG. 39, a shelf 2C with none of tablet cases
being mounted thereto can be provided within the case accommodating
section 8 so as to be freely drawn. For example, medicine that is packed
in a corrugated cardboard box and is not opened yet is mounted on the
shelf 2C. Naturally, the harness is not connected to this shelf.

[0192]As described above, various shelves including the shelves 2A and 2B
with different tablet cases being mounted thereto and the shelf 2C which
is not connected to a power source can be provided within the case
accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn. Thus, the facility of
the medicine supply apparatus 1 is significantly improved.

[0193]FIG. 40 illustrated another lower structure 7C. The lower structure
7C can be connected to the lower end of the upper structure 7A. By the
lower structure 7C being connected to the upper structure 7A, the main
body 7 for the medicine supply apparatus 1 is structured. A bottling
machine 99 serving as a charging device is mounted within the lower
structure 7C. Four hoppers 101 are arranged in parallel above the
bottling machine 99 so as to correspond to the lower ends of the chutes
32 in the upper structure 7A. The shutter 53 is not provided.

[0194]The bottling machine 99 is formed by a catcher 104 with grip arms
103 for gripping a bottle 102 serving as a container, a moving device 106
for horizontally and vertically moving the catcher 104 and a conveyor 107
for conveying the bottle 102. The bottle 102 conveyed from an insertion
opening 109 by the conveyer 107 is gripped by the grip arms 103 of the
catcher 104. While gripped by the grip arms 103, the bottle 102 is moved
by the moving device 106 under the lower end opening of the hopper 101
through which a discharged medicine passes. In this way, the medicine is
charged into the bottle 102. The bottle 102 with the medicine being
charged therein is conveyed by the conveyer 107 to an output port 108.

[0195]In addition to lower structures accommodating the above-described
packaging machine 13 and the bottling machine 99, there may be considered
a lower structure that accommodates a charging device referred to as a
so-called blister packaging machine. As the lower structures 7B and 7C
with various types of charging devices can be alternatively connected to
the lower side of the same upper structure 7A, medicine supply
apparatuses comprising a case accommodating section and various charging
devices need not to be prepared individually. Thus, the flexibility of
the medicine supply apparatus is significantly improved and a reduction
in production costs may be accomplished.

[0196]In accordance with this embodiment, data is inputted to the medicine
supply apparatus 1 by a separate personal computer PC. Nevertheless, the
invention is not limited to this case. Alternatively, or in addition to
such case, a control panel 111 may be mounted to any of the shelves 2.
The prescription data may be inputted by the control panel 111. Further,
an alarm may be displayed on the control panel 111.

[0197]In accordance with this embodiment, a plurality of door panels 6 are
respectively mounted to a plurality of shelves 2 accommodated within the
case accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn, so that the front
surface opening of the upper structure 7A (the case accommodating section
8) is closed by the panels 6. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited
to this case. As shown in FIG. 43, panels are not mounted to the shelves
2. Instead, the front surface opening of the upper structure 7A may be
closed by upper panels 112 opening together on hinges. In such case, a
lock operation for prohibiting drawing of all shelves 2 is accomplished
by locking the upper panels 112.

[0198]Further, in accordance with this embodiment, the identification code
26 is provided as the means for identifying the tablet case 3 and the
optical identification sensor 33 is provided as the reading means.
Nevertheless, an IC memory with identification information recorded
therein may be provided at the tablet case 3, and a sensor for reading
the information recorded in the IC memory by an electric field in an
untouched manner may be provided at the case accommodating section 8.
Moreover, in accordance with this embodiment, only the identification
codes 26 for the tablet cases 3 at the right and left wall sides of the
case accommodating section 8 are read by the identification sensors 33.
The identification codes 26 for all tablet cases 3 within the case
accommodating section 8 may be read.

[0199]The drum motor 14, the keep solenoid 64, the thermal sealing head 76
and the thermal transfer head 93 are provided as parts that wear out
(operating elements) in this embodiment. Nevertheless, the invention is
not limited to this case. Various types of parts that wear out used in
this type of the medicine supply apparatus 1 may be provided as the parts
that wear out.

[0200]Although color printing is performed by the printer 73 onto the
packaging paper 72 in accordance with this embodiment, the invention is
not limited to this case. In the case shown in FIG. 40, a printer that
color-prints the same information as in FIGS. 32 and 33 on a label
attached to the bottle 102 may be provided within the lower structure 7C.

[0201]As described above, in accordance with a first aspect of the
invention, each of tablet cases is identified by control means (control
device) on the basis of identification information read by a reader
(reading means) and discharge of medicine from each of the tablet cases
is controlled.

[0202]Thus, the operation for detaching electric wirings when tablet cases
are exchanged becomes unnecessary and thus the handling workability is
significantly improved.

[0203]As shown a preferred aspect, information for instructing exchanges
for tablet cases may be outputted by the control means (control device)
on the basis of the identification information read by the reader
(reading means). For example, if medicines to be charged do not exist in
a case accommodating section when a plurality of types of medicines are
charged in a package, exchangeable tablet cases may be designated. Thus,
it is possible to prevent the tablet cases accommodating medicines to be
charged in the package from being removed, resulting in a significant
improvement in utility.

[0204]An optically readable identification code provided on the surface of
a tablet case serves as the identification means (identifier) and an
optical sensor capable of reading the identification code serves as the
reader (reading means). Thus, an electric circuit for a tablet case can
be simplified and a significant reduction in costs can be accomplished.

[0205]In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a disconnection
failure of motor can be reliably detected and a maintenance for the motor
can be performed rapidly.

[0206]As the time during which the motor is rotated forward or in reverse
in an abnormality detection operation (abnormality detection mode) is
sufficiently shorter than the time interval during which medicine is
discharged, medicine cannot be discharged by mistake. Further, the motor
is firstly rotated in reverse. Thus, even if the next medicine is to be
discharged in the previous discharge operation, the medicine cannot be
discharged by mistake.

[0207]In accordance with a more preferable aspect, the control device
successively performs the abnormality detection operation upon a
plurality of tablet cases. Thus, in a case that a plurality of tablet
cases are provided, disconnection failures of motors corresponding to the
tablet cases can be smoothly detected.

[0208]In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, when operating
elements serving as parts that wear out including a motor for driving a
drum, a shutter, a thermal sealing device for packaging paper and a
printer for packaging paper approximate their durability limits or reach
them, it is possible to inform a user of failures and to ask the user to
perform maintenance for the corresponding parts.

[0209]Thus, it is possible to conduct such operations as exchanging parts
that wear out before they are broken and to prevent supply of medicine
from being stopped by failures.

[0210]In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, the medicine
supply apparatus comprises a printer with color print function (print
mechanism) for printing on a container or a label for the container. For
example, color ink ribbons may be used and time slots in which medicine
should be taken may be displayed by different colors. Thus, how to take
medicine can be shown clearly with different colors and the facility is
significantly improved.

[0211]The invention may be used as a medicine supply apparatus that is
installed at hospitals or pharmacies and supplies the determined number
of medicines accommodated in tablet cases to a container (a bottle or a
bag) on the basis of a prescription. Thus, automation and efficiency for
prescription can be significantly improved.